When Is the Best Time to Water Plants?

Watering your plants can be a bit of a mystery, if your garden is full of the kind that hide when they’re struggling. Drought-resistant plants tend to slump over and then perk up after watering, but others aren’t quite so obvious about what they need. Of course, overwatering is also a problem, since it can cause root rot and other issues. Depending on the type of plants you have, there might be a specific time to water, but here are some general rules that you can use to keep your plants healthy and happy.

When should I water?

The best time to water your plants in Los Angeles, CA tends to be either early in the morning or in the evening. In fact, watering in the morning is the best choice for your plants, since it gives the plant some time to prepare for and dry off during the course of the day. This helps reduce root rot and fungus and prevents it from attracting invasive insects.

Evening watering is fine, too—that will help cool the plant down after a hot day in the sun. The only time you should avoid is midday, when the sun and heat are at their most intense. The water will evaporate rather than soak the soil, so your plants will not get the full benefit of watering. What’s worse is that water on the leaves can magnify the sun’s rays and cause your plants to burn.

How do I know whether my plant needs more water?

Caring for your landscaped plants in Los Angeles, CA requires you to get to know them a little better. If you’re not sure how your plants are faring and whether they need water, stick your finger an inch or two into the soil. If it’s bone dry, it’s time to water them. Generally, you can assume that if you’re baking in the heat, so are your plants, but the soil test is a good way to make sure you’re not overwatering.

Age is also a factor. The newer your plant is (as in younger, but also how long it has been since it was planted in your yard), the more water it will need to establish its root system. On the other hand, if you have older, well-established plants, they don’t need to be watered as often—however, they do need larger amounts of water all at one time to soak deep into their root system.

If you’re not sure what your plants need, you have two options. If you know what kind of plants you own, you can Google their names and look at care instructions. Alternatively, you can ask your landscaper for tips on how best to care for your plants in between their visits.

Growing plants is a rewarding and beautiful hobby. Even if you think you have a brown thumb, you can have a beautiful yard—just call the team at RainforestLA, Inc. to get started caring for your landscaped plants in Los Angeles, CA!